Ducati Panigale V2 Rival KTM RC 990 Supersport Spotted Testing

As we all know, the Austrian bikemaker KTM is working continuously to add more bikes to its current portfolio, and the test mules have started spotting on the European roads as well. Recently, we reported about the KTM 990 Duke, and now we have the latest spy shots of the forthcoming road-legal supersport KTM RC 990. This bike has been spotted for the first time and shares some design elements with the existing Duke 890.

Looking at the design and styling of the test mule, the motorcycle appears to have taken a lot of inspiration from KTM’s RC 8C track bike, which was limited to just 100 units and sold out in five minutes last year. There’s a curved front end with a small opening in the centre for twin projector headlamps. Also, the tail section is somewhat identical to the BMW S1000RR. The fairing design is reminiscent of KTM’s RC16 MotoGP motorcycle.

The fairing hides the majority of the engine, but the new clutch case is the same as the one seen on the 990 Duke’s test mule. Furthermore, the exhaust system, including the catalytic converter, appears to be identical to that of the naked vehicle. Indeed, this mule was spotted testing alongside the Ducati Panigale V2, implying that the Italian bike may serve as KTM’s performance benchmark.

Furthermore, the RC 990 test mule appeared to be equipped with Brembo-style brake callipers with cooling ducts and WP Apex forks upfront. The KTM RC 990 is still in its early stages of development, so expect changes to the bodywork. And, while the possibility of this bike coming to India cannot be denied, the Austrian manufacturer will not unveil the bike until 2023. Amazingly, the new 990 Duke could be unveiled before the RC 990.

KTM RC 990 Supersport Spotted

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